The Chicago Bears have had one of the best offseasons around the league after naming Ben Johnson the head coach. The new Bears HC's hiring was the start of several stellar additions on both sides of the ball, with one of the main priorities being to protect quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears traded for Joe Thuney and signed center Drew Dalman in free agency, adding some much-needed experience to their O-line. They know how important it is to have your quarterback upright, and the Bears feel confident in this unit.
Injuries are a part of the game, though, especially for linemen who are barreling into other hulking defenders on every play. With organized team activities (OTAs) set to begin later this month, the Bears should take a shot on free agent offensive tackle Jedrick Wills.
Bears Must Take a Chance on Free Agent OT Jedrick Wills
After spending the first five years of his career with the Cleveland Browns, Wills is still looking for a new job in the middle of May. He was drafted with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 draft but never developed into the player the Browns expected when entering the league.
In 58 career games, Wills allowed 127 pressures, 21 sacks, while committing 38 penalties. He has the traits needed to get out in space and be a sturdy blocker, but he hasn't been able to put everything together consistently.
The Bears have Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright as their starting tackles, but the pecking order beyond them is fluid. They added Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie in the 2025 and 2024 NFL drafts, respectively, but a team can never have enough bodies and training camp competition.
The price tag to bring in Wills wouldn't cost much at this stage of the offseason, and signing him would provide the Bears with a former first-round pick to the rotation.
If things don't work out, the Bears could easily move without facing any real financial implications, considering he's stewed in free agency for over two months.
There's a reason players are still on the market at this time of the year, but it doesn't mean they couldn't thrive in the right situation. That could be the case for Wills and the Bears if they decide to take that shot.